AIDS knowledge and risk behaviours among traumatic brain injury survivors with coexisting substance abuse

An exploratory needs assessment for AIDS education and prevention was conducted at a traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation facility among 29 clients that also experience coexisting substance abuse disorders. The results suggest that the surveyed clients possessed a moderate level of information about AIDS. Their knowledge level was variable with a major source of misinformation surrounding the use of condoms. The sample members' knowledge was not related to the type or severity of substance abuse, nor was it associated with safer sexual practices. The present results are compared to earlier findings that used an identical survey with a dual disordered population of psychiatrically impaired substance abusers. The results should help in developing an AIDS education and prevention programme for clients with the dual diagnosis of TBI and substance abuse. Clients need up-to-date information that can be comprehended and used. Education will need to be coupled with approaches that present both behavioural and attitudinal change strategies that are best suited to these clients.